Re: HYB:Germination and rebloom

In a message dated 2/20/2007 7:30:06 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
Autmirislvr@aol.com writes:

It's  quite possible that my understanding of hybrid vigor is skewed.   I  
consider the ability to survive to be a characteristic of vigor.   



In response to the above comment by Betty W.: You make me smile. I  certainly 
would agree that the ability to survive is a characteristic of vigor.  Hybrid 
vigor, or heterosis, on the other hand has been the subject of many  
scientific studies. The vigor that accompanies hybridity  normally diminishes in later 
generations if the hybrids are selfed.  Likewise, in-breeding is often 
accompanied by the appearance of deficient vigor  and other faults in seedlings as I 
am sure you know. 
 
My reblooming irises have normally been planted in separate beds from once  
blooming irises. The superior vigor of the rebloomers as a class has always 
been  apparent. That is not to say that some once blooming irises do not have  
outstanding vigor. It is difficult to find an iris that is more vigorous than  
'Jesse's Song' or 'Dusky Challenger,' for example. 
 
Earl Hall always maintained that the odds of obtaining rebloom in seedlings  
were improved by crossing a rebloomer with a vigorous, early-flowering once  
bloomer that came from totally different lines.  I tend to think he was  
correct. A good example of such an iris is 'Rosalie Figge.' Clarence in northern  VA
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